Health application for residential electrical switch sensor device platform

ABSTRACT

Implementations generally relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for a residential electrical switch sensor device platform. In some implementations, a sensor device performs operations including detecting an activity in the living space, determining contextual routine information, determining user care protocol information, and determining an occurrence of an adverse health event. In response to the occurrence of the adverse health event, the sensor device performs operations including one or more of sending a notification to one or more destinations based on the adverse health event and activating one or more surveillance devices based on the adverse health event.

BACKGROUND

Home automation has been a long-term desire. Control systems enableaspects of a home such as lighting to be controlled. However,cost-effective and user-friendly home automation is still far away.Present home automation systems are expensive, hard to install, anddifficult to update. Such home automation systems typically require auser to understand complicated and difficult instructions to controlaspects of a home.

SUMMARY

Implementations generally relate to systems, apparatuses, and methodsfor a health application for a residential electrical switch sensordevice platform. In some implementations, a sensor device performsoperations including detecting an activity in the living space,determining contextual routine information, determining user careprotocol information, and determining an occurrence of an adverse healthevent. In response to the occurrence of the adverse health event, thesensor device performs operations including one or more of sending anotification to one or more destinations based on the adverse healthevent and activating one or more surveillance devices based on theadverse health event.

Other aspects and advantages of the described implementations willbecome apparent from the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way ofexample the principles of the described implementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example residential sensordevice platform, according to some implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example flow diagram for operation of one or moreapplications associated with one or more sensor devices, according tosome implementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow diagram for operation of a sensordevice, according to some implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow diagram for operation of a healthapplication that detects adverse health events, according to someimplementations.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram for operation of a healthapplication that detects medical devices, according to someimplementations.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example sensor device,according to some implementations.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device,according to some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations generally relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods ofa residential electrical switch sensor device platform. As described inmore detail below, various implementations of the residential sensordevice platform provide an infrastructure within and around a residencethat includes sensor-enabled devices such as medical devices withinrooms of the residence, as well as sensor-enabled devices exterior tothe residence (e.g., outdoor lighting, camera devices, medical devices,etc.). Note that the reference to the phrase “living space” may includeindoor and outdoor spaces, depending on the particular implementations.Furthermore, in some implementations, the residential sensor deviceplatform provides learning of common usage patterns and/or contextualroutine information by tracking and learning of routine andpattern-based activity of one or more persons. Such contextual routineinformation may be used to automatically configure home automation inorder to determine the occurrence of adverse health events in a home.Some implementations provide the sensing of motion or activity,temperature, and daylight. As described in more detail herein, sensordevice 120 detects various activities and determines various aspects ofactivities without the use of a camera. Further, some implementationsprovide health-related features, autonomous and networked operation, andcloud intelligence.

As described in more detail herein, implementations provide distributeddecision making intelligence at each sensor device for day-to-day use,as well as a network for advanced analytics and pattern and behaviorlearning. Implementations also provide an intelligent wireless mesh thatis self-healing, self-learning, and expandable. Implementations alsoprovide sensor devices in each room or living area of a residency, aswell as external to a residency, where the sensor devices provideactivity tracking, ambient light, temperature, energy metering, camera,air quality, carbon monoxide (CO) detection, etc. Implementations alsoprovide an efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly home Internet ofThings (IoT) platform including ubiquitous digital, plug and playsensing, stand-alone operation, Wi-Fi mesh, distributed algorithms,self-learning, self-healing, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example residential sensordevice platform 100, according to some implementations. In someimplementations, the residential sensor device platform 100 includes awireless router 110 and multiple sensor devices 120, 130, 132, 134, 136,138, 140, 142, and 144. In various implementations, sensor devices 120,130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144 form a wireless mesh network.In various implementations, at least one sensor of sensor devices 120,130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144 maintains a communicationlink with wireless router 110.

In various implementations, sensor devices 120, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138,140, 142, and 144 may be a part of and/or integrated with a stationarydevice in a residence. Such a stationary device may be an electricalswitch such as a light switch, a power outlet, or other stationarydevices. While implementations are described herein in the context ofwall mounted stationary devices, these implementations and other alsoapply to other types of stationary devices (e.g., table top devices orother surface top devices, as well as appliances).

In some implementation, one sensor device of sensor devices 120, 130,132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144 is operative as a master sensordevice, which maintains the communications link with wireless router110. As shown, in this particular implementation, sensor device 120maintains the communication link with wireless router 110. As such,sensor device 120 may be referred to as a master sensor device. Theother sensor devices 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144 may bereferred to as slave sensor devices.

In various implementations, the sensor device that is operative as themaster sensor device may change over time. For example, as described inmore detail below, if a master sensor device fails, another sensordevice may be selected from among the sensor devices to be operative asthe new master sensor device.

In some implementations, the non-master sensor devices 130, 132, 134,136, 138, 140, 142, and 144 form a wireless mesh network. In variousimplementations, the master sensor device (e.g., sensor device 120) isalso a part of the wireless mesh network. For example, in this case,master sensor device 120 and non-master sensor devices 130, 132, 134,136, 138, 140, 142, and 144 form a wireless mesh network.

In some implementations, other devices (e.g., a mobile device,third-party device, etc.) may also be a part of the wireless meshnetwork. In some implementations, such other devices may join thewireless mesh network based on authentication. In some implementations,authentication may be controlled with layer two (L2) MACpre-authorization for network access. In some implementations,authentication may be controlled by higher-level cloud authentication toenable services.

As shown in FIG. 1, in various implementations, each of non-mastersensor devices 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144 are eitherdirectly coupled to master sensor device 120, or are indirectly coupledto master sensor device 120 through another of the non-master sensordevices. In some implementations, the wireless mesh network operatesover at least one link or interface that is different from a link orinterface that is the communication link between master sensor device120 and wireless router 110.

In various implementations, residential sensor device platform 100 isself-healing. For example, any sensor device may function as a mastersensor device. If a particular master sensor device becomes inoperable,another sensor device may take over as the master sensor device. Inother words, the role of a master sensor device may change over time. Insome implementations, the master sensor device may be the sensor deviceclosest to the wireless router. In some implementations, the mastersensor device may be the sensor device that first detects a motion oractivity.

As shown by the exemplary residential sensor device platform 100 of FIG.1, sensor devices 130, 132, and 136 are directly coupled to mastersensor device 120. Furthermore, as shown, sensor devices 134, 140, and142 are indirectly coupled to master sensor device 120 through sensordevices 130, 132, and 136. Sensor devices 130, 132, and 136 can bedesignated as first order wireless mesh network nodes that are onewireless hop from master sensor device 120. Sensor devices 134, 138,140, and 142 may be designated as second order wireless mesh nodes thatare two wireless hops from master sensor device 120. Furthermore, sensordevice 144 is indirectly coupled to the master sensor device throughsensor devices 142, and can be designated as a third order wireless meshnode that is three wireless hops from master sensor device 120.

In various implementations, the sensor device may detect not only sensedoccupancy but may also detect activity, and distinguish among differentobjects such as humans, pets, robots, appliances, machinery, etc. Forexample, the sensor device may determine room usage based on movementpatterns, type of motion or activity, size or magnitude of motion oractivity, etc. In various implementations, the sensor device may detectparticular activities in human behavior that occur in the living space(e.g., walking, running, falling, etc.). Based on this activityinformation, the sensor device may determine if the occupant is aperson, pet (e.g., dog, cat, etc.), or other object.

In some implementations, one or more processors of the one or more ofthe sensor devices 120, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144 areoperative to monitor the behavior of users of the living space, toreceive and store the sensed condition over time, and to analyze thesensed condition to identify user behavior. In various implementations,local decisions and control are performed due to processing at eachdevice. In other words, there is no network dependency to performimplementations described herein. In various implementations, multipleload settings may be achieved due to sensing, decisions, and controlsresiding on the same device. In various implementations, one or moreconnections in the network may be hardwired.

In some implementations, the wireless mesh network further includesnon-sensor devices that communicate with at least a portion of thesensor devices of the wireless mesh network. Such non-sensor devices caninclude medical devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example flow diagram for operation of one or moreapplications associated with one or more sensor devices, according tosome implementations. For ease of illustration, example implementationsteps described herein are described in the context of a single sensordevice, such as sensor device 120. These implementations and others mayapply to any sensor device, such as any one or more sensor devices ofFIG. 1.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, a method is initiated at block 202,where sensor device 120 detects activity in a living space. Activity mayinclude, for example, a person entering a room, a person making a motionfrom a still position, etc.

At block 204, sensor device 120 determines activity informationassociated with the activity. In various implementations, the sensor maydetect particular activities in human behavior that occur in the livingspace (e.g., walking, running, falling, etc.). For example, a person maystand up from a sitting position. The person may walk across a room. Theperson may enter a room from another room. In some implementations,sensor device 120 may determine which other room the person came from byobtaining activity information from the last sensor device that detectedactivity information of the person. In various implementations, sensordevice 120 aggregates activity information from itself and other sensordevices if available. Sensor device 120 also automatically sendsaggregated activity information to other sensor devices directly and/orvia a wireless router.

In some implementations, sensor device 120 determines if it is in avacation mode. As described in more detail herein, in variousimplementations, applications running on sensor device 120 may performdifferent steps depending on whether sensor device 120 is in vacationmode or not. The various types of activity information may depend on theparticular implementation and are described in more detail herein.

In some implementations, sensor device 120 may detect activity when thesensor device is in vacation mode (e.g., the user is on vacation). Insome implementations, a sensor device may detect activity when thedevice is in an inactive mode (e.g., when the user is supposed to beinactive). In some implementations, a sensor device might not detectactivity when the user is supposed to be active within and duringcertain periods. As such, the sensor device may issue an alert. In someimplementations, the sensor device may pair up with other devices todetect other specifics (e.g., a possible fall that the user has taken).

At block 206, sensor device 120 initiates one or more applications toperform various functions. In various implementations, sensor device 120provides a unified single device platform for multiple applications orservices, which are described in more detail herein. In variousimplementations, the particular applications that sensor device 120initiations may depend on the activity information.

At block 208, sensor device 120 initiates a health application. In someimplementations, sensor device 120 may initiate the health applicationbased on predetermined behavioral patterns that sensor device 120detects. For example, in some implementations, sensor device 120 mayinitiate the health application when sensor device 120 detects that theperson is not taking enough breaks during the user's routine tasks. Insome implementations, sensor device 120 may initiate the healthapplication when sensor device 120 detects that the person is not movingafter a predetermined period of time (e.g., after a fall, etc.). In someimplementations, sensor device 120 may initiate a health applicationwhen sensor device 120 detects that the user is not moving atpredetermined intervals. As described in more detail herein, when thehealth application detects adverse health events, the health applicationperforms various health-related functions.

In some implementations, at block 210, sensor device 120 may initiateother types of applications. The particular types of applications mayvary depending on the particular implementation.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow diagram for operation of a sensordevice, according to some implementations. For ease of illustration,example implementations are described herein in the context of a singlesensor device, such as sensor device 120. These implementations andothers may apply to any sensor device, such as any one or more sensordevices of FIG. 1.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 3, a method is initiated at block 302,where sensor device 120 detects activity in a living space. As indicatedherein, activity may include, for example, a person entering a room, aperson making a motion from a still position, etc.

At block 304, sensor device 120 determines activity informationassociated with the activity. In some implementations, the activityinformation is associated with the activity of the person detected. Forexample, a person may stand up from a sitting position. The person maywalk across a room. The person may enter a room from another room.

As described in more detail herein, in various implementations, activityand activity information generated at block 302 and block 304 maytrigger the one or more applications to perform various functionalities.

In various implementations, the sensor devices of residential sensordevice platform 100 socialize with each other by sharing informationwith each other and learning from each other. For example, in variousimplementations, sensor device 120 exchanges activity information withother sensor devices in the network of sensor devices via a mastersensor device and/or wireless router. For example, sensor device 120 maysend activity information to one or more other sensor devices. Sensordevice 120 may also receive activity information from one or more othersensor devices. As indicated above, the activity information may beexchanged among sensor devices via a master sensor device and/orwireless router. In some implementations, sensor device 120 may functionas the master device.

In various implementations, the sensor devices share information andsocialize based on one or more attributes. Different sensor devices mayshare intelligence with other sensor devices in order to optimizeprotocols of the applications. In some implementations, one attributemay be a particular group to which a given sensor device belongs. Forexample, one or more sensor devices may belong to a particular ambientsensor group. One or more sensor devices may belong to a particularphysical location (e.g., a particular room, a particular portion of ahouse, etc.). In some implementations, a group of sensor devices neednot be in the same house.

In various implementations, one sensor device may be a part of multiplegroups, where each group may serve one or more different purposes. Forexample, a group of sensor devices may be implemented in connection ahealth application and/or other application.

At block 306, sensor device 120 determines the time. For example, sensordevice 120 may determine that the time is 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, or 7:00 pm,etc. In some implementations, sensor device 120 may also determine adate associated with the time.

At block 308, sensor device 120 follows a procedure based on one or moreapplications. In various implementations, one or more devices takeaction not based on the activity information, but based on one or moreapplications. For example, as described in more detail herein, sensordevice 120 may follow a schedule based on the time and based on any oneor more applications such as a health application, etc. In someimplementations, a particular procedure may end or change based on thetime and/or date, or based on other applications, depending on theparticular implementation. For example, sensor device 120 may adjust fordaylight savings time, end of a school year, guests staying in thehouse, etc. Furthermore, in some implementations, a particular proceduremay make changes to the outdoor surrounding landscape, such as pathlights, outdoor security cameras, automatic driveway gate, etc.,depending on the particular implementation.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow diagram for operation of a healthapplication that detects adverse health events, according to someimplementations. In various implementations, the health applicationfunctions based on learning routine information and behavioral patternsof a person or group of people. In various implementations, the routinepattern may include one or more signatures, where each signaturecharacterizes routine user or group behavior within the living space. Insome implementations, the user behavior may include behavior of a useror group of users in one or more particular locations (e.g., rooms orareas) in the living space. As such, the health application enablesmonitoring the user in a living space based on patterns of behavior inseparate rooms or common areas of the living space. Routine information,pattern and routine signatures are described in more detail herein.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 4, a method is initiated at block 402,where sensor device 120 detects an activity in a living space. In someimplementations, the activity includes one or more motions or movementsof a person in the living space. As indicated herein, sensor device 120detects these activities without the use of a camera. In someimplementations, sensor device 120 may detect an activity, characterizethe type of activity, and detect particular aspects of the activity suchas an initial motion of the activity. For example, sensor device 120 maydetect a person entering a room and walking in the room.

In some implementations, sensor device 120 may detect particular aspectsof the activity such as a resumption of an activity after someinactivity (e.g. making a motion after being in a still position, etc.).For example, such a resumption of an activity may be the person sittingup from a lying position after lying down for some time, standing upfrom a sitting position after sitting for some time, etc. In someimplementations, sensor device 120 may determine the user to be in astill position, where sensor device 120 detects activity, followed byinactivity such as detecting no movement for a predetermined amount oftime (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, etc.), then followed byactivity. The activity subsequent to the inactivity may be theresumption of the activity.

In some implementations, sensor device 120 may detect particular aspectsof the activity such as an end to an activity, beginning of newactivity, etc. For example, sensor device 120 may detect a personwalking, sitting, or lying down, etc. followed by inactivity for apredetermined amount of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, etc.),followed by new activity. For example, sensor device 120 may detect aperson sitting at a desk, getting up and walking to a bed, lying down tosleep for 7 hours, then getting up to leave the room.

In another example implementation, the person may be walking and thentrip and fall, and not get up. In this example, sensor device 120 maydetect the person walking, then detect a downward motion to the ground,then detect little to no activity. In various implementations, sensordevice 120 may distinguish between a person falling and the person lyingdown. For example, sensor device 120 may detect the downward motion tobe quick as in a fall, and may detect the person to be on ground levelfor a duration of time (e.g., 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.). Sensordevice 120 may also distinguish between the person being at ground levelversus a higher level (e.g., on a bed or sofa).

At block 404, sensor device 120 determines contextual routineinformation. In some implementations, the contextual routine informationis associated with the detected activity. In some implementations, thecontextual routine information is associated with the activity of theperson detected. For example, in some implementations, the contextualroutine information may include the type of activity such as walking, orstanding up from a sitting position. In some implementations, thecontextual information may include times of the day when a particularactivity occurs. For example, sensor device 120 may detect that a persongets up from a lying position between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. mostmornings, or on particular mornings (e.g., Tuesdays and Thursdays,etc.).

In some implementations, contextual routine information may includeinformation about activity with respect to a particular room or areawithin the living space. For example, contextual routine information mayinclude information on whether a person walked within, into, or out of aparticular location within the living space (e.g., bedroom, study,kitchen, and other rooms). For example, the contextual routineinformation may include information on whether a person is walkingacross a room, entering a particular room from another room (e.g., froma hallway into a bedroom). The contextual routine information may alsoinclude information on general areas in the living space (e.g.,particular floors). For example, the contextual routine information mayinclude whether a person went from an upper floor to a lower floor. Invarious implementations, contextual information may include how oftenand/or when a person goes from one room of the living space to anotherroom, or from one floor to another, or when the person enters the livingspace or leaves the living space.

In various implementations, contextual information may include acombination of different variables. For example, contextual informationmay include a combination of type of activity, location patterns, timepatterns, frequency patterns, etc. For example, contextual informationmy include a person walking up everyday at 7:00 a.m., walking to thebathroom at 7:05 a.m., walking to the kitchen at 7:30 a.m., preparingand eating breakfast between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., then walking toliving room at 8:00 a.m., to watch television, etc.

In some implementations, sensor device 120 may distinguish between aperson and a pet based on one or more predetermined criteria such as oneor more size, mass, height, and movement or behavior of the person orpet. In some implementations, contextual routine information may includewhether the detected activity is the activity of a person or a pet.

In various implementations, sensor device 120 determines the type of thedetected activity or category of activity the detected activity based onthe detected motion or set of motions. For example, sensor device 120may determine that a person is sitting, standing, walking, running,jumping, moving his/her hands, etc. In some implementations, sensordevice 120 may detect where a person is positioned in a room, theposture of the person (e.g., standing, sitting, lying down, etc.), thespeed of the person (e.g., whether the person is walking, running,etc.), the amount of movement (e.g., sitting and writing, walking acrossa room, etc.), etc. In various implementations, sensor device 120 maydetermine behavior patterns or a behavior signature of an individual.

As indicated above, in various implementations, activity and activityinformation generated at block 402 and block 404 may trigger the healthapplication to perform various functionalities. For example, asdescribed in more detail herein, in various implementations, the healthapplication associated with sensor device 120 performs the steps ofblock 406 through block 412 based on the activity and activityinformation generated at block 402 and block 404.

As indicated herein, in various implementations, sensor device 120exchanges activity information with other sensor devices in the networkof sensor devices via a master sensor device and/or wireless router. Insome implementations, sensor device 120 may function as the masterdevice.

At block 406, sensor device 120 determines user care protocolinformation. In some implementations, the user protocol informationincludes routine information. For example, seniors often have routinedays. As such, sensor device 120 may learn and predict movement patterns(e.g., using pattern recognition techniques, etc.) in order to customizeuser care protocol for the individual. In some implementations, theroutine pattern-based information may include one or more types orcategories of activity. For example, types of activity may include aperson changing from a lying position to a sitting position, changingfrom a sitting position to a standing position, walking, and othermovements. In some implementations, the routine information may includeone or more locations of activity. For example, locations of activitymay include bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, living rooms, family rooms,and other rooms of a living space. In some implementations, the routineinformation may include one or more times of particular activity. Forexample, times of an activity may include particular days, times ofparticular days, time durations, etc.

In various implementations, routine information includes a combinationof activities in different locations, as well as times and time periods.For example, during a daily routine, a person wakes up at particulartime (e.g., 7:00 a.m., etc.) or time period (e.g., between 7:00 a.m. and7:30 a.m., etc.). The person may get out of bed and go to into bathroomfor a time period (e.g., 10 minutes, 20 minutes, etc.). The person maythen go to the kitchen for breakfast for a time period (e.g., 20minutes, 30 minutes, etc.). The person may go to the living room to reador watch television for a time period (e.g., an hour, etc.).

In various implementations, the system may have trigger points in eachlocation, wherein each sensor device detects activity and establishestime references for each activity event detected. For example, a sensordevice in a bedroom would be triggered when it detects a person sittingup. The sensor device may log the time that it first detects activity(e.g., 7:00 a.m., etc.). If the person walks from the bedroom to thebathroom, the sensor device in the bedroom may log the time it stopsdetecting activity (e.g., 7:10 a.m., etc.), and a sensor device in thebathroom would log the time it first detects activity (e.g., 7:10 a.m.,etc.), and so on. In various implementations, the system determinespatterns of activity and learns routine behavior. The system includessuch learned routine behavior to the routine pattern-based information.

At block 408, sensor device 120 determines if an adverse health eventhas occurred. In some implementations, adverse health events mayinclude, for example, a person breaking his or her routine. For example,sensor device 120 may detect activity and compare the current/detectedactivity to routine information of the user care protocol information.If there is a mismatch, the sensor may log the mismatch as an anomalyand generate a flag. In some implementations, there may be differentflags representing different degrees of adversity. For example, if theroutine information indicates 20 minutes as an average time spent in thebathroom but the sensor device in the bathroom logs a longer time thanusual where the amount of time is above a first threshold (e.g., 30minutes longer than the expected/average time, etc.), the sensor devicemay generate a yellow flag. A yellow flag may or may not be consideredan adverse health event, depending on the particular implementation. Ifthe routine information indicates 20 minutes as an average time spent inthe bathroom but the sensor device in the bathroom logs a time that isabove a second threshold (e.g., 45 minutes longer than theexpected/average time, etc.), the sensor device may generate a red flag.The particular length of time beyond the usual time that is considered ayellow flag or a red flag, etc. may vary and will depend on theparticular implementation. In some implementations, the sensor devicemay share the flag with the master sensor device and/or other sensordevices.

In some implementations, adverse health events may include, for example,a sudden fall, a lack of movement for longer than certain time period,etc. For example, activity collaboration among multiple sensor devicesmay help with adverse conditions such as a sudden fall, lack of momentfor longer than a predetermined period of time, continuous moving longerthan a predetermined period of time (e.g., when the person is prone tofalling or a person should be taking breaks, etc.). In someimplementations, sensor device 120 may be configured to receiveinformation from a wearable device on the person or othermobile/handheld device with the person. Sensor device 120 may add suchinformation, including heuristic information to the routine information.In various implementations, the heuristic information may be collectedby a wearable device and associated sensors that collect informationsuch as blood pressure, heart rate, sleep patterns, etc.

In some implementations, sensor device 120 learns a routine or behaviorsignature of a person, where the routine or signature may be defined inpart by a virtual boundary in which the person typically moves. Invarious implementations, sensor device 120 may track an individual todetermine if the person is following a typical routine. This may give acaregiver (e.g., in an assisted living scenario, etc.) or a remotefamily member peace of mind that the individual (e.g., senior) is okay.

In some implementations, an adverse health event may include a personmoving beyond a virtual boundary. Sensor device 120 may then track theperson and determine if the person breaks the routine (e.g., movesbeyond a virtual boundary). For example, if the individual typicallystays within a particular virtual boundary (e.g., floor, room, etc.)during particular times but all of a sudden breaks the routine. Sensordevice 120 may phone a particular person (e.g., the individual beingtracked, caregiver, etc.) to make sure everything is okay (e.g., theindividual is not lost, etc.).

In some implementations, if no adverse health event has occurred, sensordevice 120 continues to detect activities in the living space.

In some implementations, if the person deviates from a routine yetcontinues with activity, sensor device 120 may deem the deviation to notbe an adverse health event. In various implementations, sensor device120 tracks such changes in a routine, where a change may establish a newroutine pattern.

At block 410, if sensor device 120 determines that an adverse healthevent has occurred, sensor device 120 may send a notification to one ormore destinations based on the adverse health event. For example, ifsensor device 120 detects an adverse health event such as a sudden fall,lack of movement, etc., sensor device 120 may send a notification to apredetermined destination such as a call service, caretaker, family,etc. If the call service is an automated call service, the call servicemay call the person associated with the adverse health event. If thatperson in question answers the call, there might not be a problem (e.g.,the person was simply asleep, etc.). If there is a problem, appropriateaction may be taken. For example, if the person is not moving (e.g.,unconscious), sensor device 120 may call an appropriate destination(e.g., call service, caretaker, family, etc.) with a notification thatthe call has not been answered. In another example, if the person isconscious, the person can ask for help. As such, sensor device 120 maycall an appropriate destination (e.g., call service, caretaker, family,etc.) with a notification that help is needed. In either case, sensordevice 120 may facilitate in a determination that the person isconscious or not moving/unconscious, needs help, etc.). In variousimplementations, sensor device 120 notifies how long the person has notmoved, or the last time when and where person was determined to bemobile.

At block 412, if sensor device 120 determines that an adverse healthevent has occurred, sensor device 120 may also activate one or moresurveillance devices based on the adverse health event. In variousimplementations, the surveillance device may include video and audiodevices. In various implementations, in order to minimize disruption ofprivacy on a day-to-day basis, the video surveillance may kick in onlywhen adverse events are detected. In some implementations, a sensordevice may support a safety and security mode, which triggers a statemachine to generate appropriate event notifications and alerts. Suchnotifications and alerts may be sent to predetermined persons such asfamily members, caretakers, emergency services, etc. In someimplementations, notifications may be send to the person in question toconfirm whether or not the person needs help or not.

In various implementations, sensor device 120 may identify differentpeople using any suitable identification techniques, and may monitoractivity in order to detect adverse health events of multiple people.Such implementations may be applied in group living situations such asnursing homes.

Although the steps, operations, or computations may be presented in aspecific order, as shown in the example of FIG. 4, the order may bechanged in particular implementations. The ordering of blocks 402through 412 is merely one example ordering. Other orderings of theblocks/steps are possible, depending on the particular implementation.For example, blocks 410 and block 412 may occur simultaneously, or inany order. While some implementations are described herein in thecontext of user care, these implementations and other may also apply topeople with other health concerns. For example, implementations may alsoapply to people with injuries, long-term disabilities, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram for operation of a healthapplication that detects medical devices, according to someimplementations. In various implementations, residential sensor deviceplatform 100 provides a network for medical devices. Referring to bothFIGS. 1 and 5, a method is initiated at block 502, where sensor device120 receives a signal from a wireless medical device. Such a wirelessmedical device may include any device (e.g., a blue tooth device) thatcollects medical information of an individual (e.g., heart rate monitor,blood pressure monitor, etc.).

At block 504, sensor device 120 determines if the wireless medicaldevice is authorized. In particular, sensor device 120 checks if thewireless medical device is authorized to access the network residentialsensor device platform 100.

At block 506, sensor device 120 obtains information from the medicaldevice. In various implementations, sensor device 120 may compareinformation from the medical device to information associated with adetection of an adverse health event. For example, if sensor device 120detects a fall from a person and the information from the medical deviceindicates an abnormal heart rate, or abnormally high blood pressure,etc., sensor device 120 may deem the adverse health event as ahigh-level emergency for notification purposes.

As indicated herein, in various implementations, sensor device 120exchanges activity information with other sensor devices in the networkof sensor devices via a master sensor device and/or wireless router.

At block 508, sensor device 120 sends a notification to one or moredestinations. Such destinations may include, for example, aparticipating medical service, family members, caretakers, etc.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example sensor device 600,according to some implementations. In various implementations, sensordevice 600 is a residential sensor device that is implemented inresidential environments. Sensor device 600 may also be referred to asresidential sensor device 600. Sensor device 600 is not limited toresidential environments and may be implemented in non-residentialenvironments, including both indoor and outdoor environments. In variousimplementations, sensor device 600 may be used to implement sensordevice 120 of FIG. 1 and/or any of the other sensor devices of FIG. 1.

As shown, for this particular implementation, residential sensor device600 may be used to implement one or more of multiple sensor devices in anetwork, such as a wireless network, a wireless mesh network, etc.

In various implementations, when a first sensor device is configured,the rest of the sensor devices are self-configuring in that theyautomatically configure themselves based on the configuration of thefirst sensor device.

As described in more detail below, sensor device 600 has a multi-virtualnetwork interface (e.g., a dual interface, etc.). In someimplementations, one interface may be used for an uplink mode (e.g.,Internet mode) to link to a wireless router, etc. In someimplementations, a second interface may be used for a mesh mode to linkto mesh nodes, etc. For example, in various implementations, sensordevice 600 includes a controller or processor 602. In variousimplementations, sensor device 600 also includes a first transceiver 604operative to support uplink communication with a wireless router. Invarious implementations, the wireless router is an upstream wirelessrouter. Sensor device 600 also includes a second transceiver 606operative to support mesh link communication with other sensor devices.Sensor device 600 also includes an electrical control 608 that controlsone or more electrical power outlets 612 and/or one or more electricalswitches 614. In various implementations, sensor device 600 includes asensor 610 operative to sense a condition of a living space. For ease inillustration, one sensor 610 is shown. However, in variousimplementations, sensor 610 may represent multiple sensors. For example,sensor device 600 may include a light sensor, a motion sensor, athermometer, a barometer, a moisture sensor, etc. In someimplementations, processor 602 is operative to communicate with thewireless router through the first transceiver, communicate with othersensor devices through the second transceiver, and receive the sensedcondition of the living space. As indicated herein, a living space mayinclude indoor and outdoor spaces.

In various implementations, if sensor device 600 functions as a mastersensor device, sensor device 600 is configured with a dual link, havingboth an uplink to the upstream wireless mesh router and a mesh link tothe other sensor devices of the mesh network. In variousimplementations, the other sensor devices of the mesh network (e.g.,slave sensor devices) are configured only with the mesh link.

If any new sensor device is added to the mesh network, the new sensordevice may self configure similar to the other non-master sensor devicesof the wireless mesh network. As such, implementations provideautomatic-range extender functionality.

In various implementations, one or more processors of the sensor devicesare operative to select a master sensor device from the sensor devices,where the master sensor device maintains communication with the wirelessrouter, and where other sensor devices are designated as slave sensordevices and form a wireless mesh network with the other sensor devicesthrough wireless communication with the other sensor devices through thesecond transceivers of the slave sensor devices.

For ease of illustration, FIG. 6 shows one block for each of processor602, first transceiver 604, second transceiver 606, electrical control608, sensor 610, electrical power outlet 612, and electrical switch 614.Each of blocks 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, and 614 may representmultiple first transceivers, second transceivers, electrical controls,sensor devices, processors, electrical power outlets, and electricalswitches.

In other implementations, sensor device 600 may not have all of thecomponents shown and/or may have other elements including other types ofelements instead of, or in addition to, those shown herein. For example,sensor device 600 may be implemented by computing device 600 of FIG. 6,which is described in more detail below. In various implementations,sensor device 600 may include a combination of some or all of theelements shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and may include other types of elementsinstead of, or in addition to, those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In some example implementations, sensor device 600 function as a mastersensor device. However, other sensor devices may also function as mastersensor devices. Also, in some scenarios, sensor device 600 may functionas a slave sensor device relative to another master sensor device. Insome implementations, the residential sensor device platform may includemultiple different master sensor devices at a given time. For example,there may be multiple master sensor devices for different applications.

In various implementations, sensor device 600 and the sensor devices ofthe residential sensor device platform may be referred to as a hybridmesh, because the sensor devices may have functions and capabilities ofa mesh network, and the sensor devices may also have one or more mastersensor devices simultaneously or serially. In various implementations,the sensor devices of the residential sensor device platform may includepoint-to-point plus repeater functionality.

Link or interface differentiation between the master sensor device andthe mesh versus the master device and the wireless router may beachieved according to the following implementations. For example, invarious implementations, the different links are dual interfaces in thatone interface is among sensor devices of a mesh network, and adifferent, separate interface is between the master sensor device and awireless router. In various implementations, the different links may beimplemented as a dual interface or dual channel using a common radio, ormultiple links or channels of a common radio.

In some implementations, one or more processors of respective sensordevices are operative to select the master sensor device from the sensordevices, where the master sensor device maintains communication with theupstream wireless router. In various implementations, as indicatedabove, the non-master sensor devices of the wireless sensor devices aredesignated as slave sensor devices. In various implementations, thewireless devices form a wireless mesh network through wirelesscommunication through their respective second transceivers.

In some implementations, each sensor device checks or determines itsproximity to the access point or upstream wireless router. In someimplementations, the proximity is estimated based on the signal strengthor signal quality of signals received by the device from the upstreamwireless router. The sensor device having the highest received signalstrength of the highest signal quality wins. That sensor device with thehighest signal quality is selected as the master sensor device, and theother sensor devices are designated as the slave sensor devices. In someimplementations, the sensor device closest to a home access pointbecomes the master sensor device with dual interface (e.g., active,active). The other sensors devices become slaves and participate inclient mode (e.g., active, passive).

In some implementations, mobile applications may directly connect to anysensor device. In some implementations, each sensor device may configureitself through network sharing (e.g., physical unclonable function (PUF)and/or advanced encryption standard (AES) 128-bit encryption, etc.). Invarious implementations, third-party devices may participate in thequasi-mesh network if authenticated. In some implementations, slavedevices send data to a master device every predetermined time period(e.g., every 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc.), which is configurable. Insome implementations, a master sensor device packages data from alldevices in a predetermined time period (e.g., 10-minute window,15-minute window, etc.), and pushes the data to the cloud server, whichin turn may push the data to one or more applications at predeterminedtime periods (e.g., every 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc.). In someimplementations, one or more applications may automatically synchronizedata with the cloud servers at predetermined time interviews (e.g.,hourly basis, etc.) if data is not pushed from the cloud server.Real-time info may be available on refresh or based on event policies.Applications directly interact with local devices.

In some implementations, if the selected master sensor device fails, theone or more processors of the sensor devices reselect the master sensordevice from the other sensor devices. That is, the wireless mesh networkformed by the sensor devices is operative to configure themselves toself-configure or self-heal if one or more of the sensor devices fail.For example, in some implementations, the self-healing may includesensor devices of the wireless mesh network selecting a new mastersensor device if the present master sensor device fails. In variousimplementations, all sensor devices have dual link, uplink, and meshlink functionality, and any of the currently non-master sensor devicesmay be eligible to become a new master device. In some implementations,a sensor device that was previously a master sensor device and that waslater replaced (e.g., due to failure or other reason, etc.) may again beselected as the new master sensor device based on one or morepredetermined criteria (e.g., getting fixed, etc.).

In some implementations, the self-healing includes selecting new routingpaths from the master device to downstream sensor devices if one or moreof the sensor devices of the residential sensor device platform fail. Invarious implementations, the meshing functionality of the sensor devicesprovides auto-range extender functionality for other devices toparticipate as a network service provider.

In some implementations, the signal strength or quality determinationand rankings are further used to identify the second best and/or thirdbest signal strengths, and the sensor devices are ranked accordingly.These sensor devices can be used as backup master sensor devices if thecurrent master sensor device fails for some reason. In variousimplementations, the ranking is based on signal strengths and may beused to determine a priority for backup. For example, in someimplementations, the highest-ranking sensor device may be selected asthe master sensor device. If the highest-ranking sensor device is notavailable, the next highest ranking sensor device may be selected as themaster sensor device. If there is a tie, the master sensor device may beselected randomly or based on another aspect (e.g., proximity, etc.).

In some implementations, one or more of the sensor devices areassociated with one or more electrical power outlets and/or and one ormore electrical light switches.

In various implementations, each of the one or more processors of theone or more of respective sensor devices is operative to controloperation of the electrical control (which may in turn control one ormore electrical power outlets and/or one or more electrical lightswitches) based on at least the sensed condition of the living space. Insome implementations, the sensed condition may be based on various typesof sensors (e.g., a light sensor, a motion sensor, a thermometer, abarometer, etc.) indicating various aspects of the living space.

In various implementations, each of the one or more processors of theone or more respective sensor devices is operative to control operationan electrical control (which may in turn control one or more electricalpower outlets and/or one or more electrical light switches) based on atleast the sensed occupancy of the living space. In some implementations,the sensed occupancy may be based on a motion sensor indicating that theliving space is being occupied by a person. In some implementations, thesensed occupancy may include a sensed occupancy of a space proximate tothe one or more sense devices. In some implementations, the sensedcondition includes a sensed occupancy.

In various implementations, the sensed conditions and/or the sensedoccupancy may be shared over the mesh network to control one or more ofthe power outlets or one or more of the electrical switches. The controlmay include turning the power of the one or more power outlets on oroff, or switching the one or more electrical switches on or off.

In some implementations, one or more processors of sensor device 600, aswell as those of other sensor devices, are operative to at leastpartially control operation of another device. In some implementations,the other devices may include one or more of a water heater, wateringsystems, garage door, etc. The sense information of sensor device 600may be used to determine a condition of another device, andadvantageously control the other device. For example, sensed occupancy(or the lack of) can be used to determine whether a water heater shouldbe active or not. Generally, the other devices need not necessarily havea sensor. Such devices may rely on the sensing information of one of thesensor devices.

In some implementations, one or more processors of sensor device 600, aswell as those of other sensor devices, are operative to at leastpartially control operation of the sensor devices themselves or anotherdevice based on timing. For example, situations can include control ofcertain lights of a residence that need to be turned on, for example, at8:00 PM, but ideally also take in account occupancy within theresidence. For example, front lights of a residence and back lights ofthe residence may be controlled differently depending upon occupancywithin the residence.

In some implementations, one or more processors of sensor device 600, aswell as those of other sensor devices, are operative to at leastpartially control operation of themselves or another device based onenvironmental parameters.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device 700,according to some implementations. For example, computing device 700 maybe used to implement a sensor device such as sensor device 600 of FIG.6, sensor device 120 of or other sensor devices of FIG. 1, as well as toperform the method implementations described herein. In someimplementations, computing device 700 includes a processor 702, anoperating system 704, a memory 706, and an input/output (I/O) interface708. Computing device 700 also includes a network engine 710 and anapplication 712, which may be stored in memory 706 or on any othersuitable storage location or computer-readable medium. Application 712provides instructions that enable processor 702 to perform the functionsdescribed herein and other functions. For ease of illustration, oneapplication 712 is shown. Application 712 may represent multipleapplications. For example, multiple applications such as a healthapplication and other applications, etc. may be stored in memory 706 andexecuted by processor 702.

For ease of illustration, FIG. 7 shows one block for each of processor702, operating system 704, memory 706, I/O interface 708, network engine710, and application 712. These blocks 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, and 712may represent multiple processors, operating systems, memories, I/Ointerfaces, network engines, and applications. In other implementations,computing device 700 may not have all of the components shown and/or mayhave other elements including other types of elements instead of, or inaddition to, those shown herein.

Although the description has been described with respect to particularimplementations thereof, these particular implementations are merelyillustrative, and not restrictive. Concepts illustrated in the examplesmay be applied to other examples and implementations. For example, someimplementations are described herein in the context of a wireless meshnetwork system. However, the implementations described herein may applyin contexts other than a wireless mesh network.

Note that the functional blocks, methods, devices, and systems describedin the present disclosure may be integrated or divided into differentcombinations of systems, devices, and functional blocks as would beknown to those skilled in the art.

In some implementations, a non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium carries program instructions thereon, where the instructions whenexecuted by one or more processors cause the one or more processors toperform operations including one or more of the steps described herein.

In some implementations, a method includes one or more means forperforming one or more of the steps described herein.

In some implementations, a system includes one or more processors, andlogic encoded in one or more tangible media for execution by the one ormore processors. When executed, the logic is operable to performoperations including one or more of the steps described herein.

In some implementations, a system includes a storage device, and one ormore processors accessing the storage device and operable to performoperations including one or more of the steps described herein.

The foregoing description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow specific implementations by way of illustration. In the variousdescriptions, these embodiments are also referred to herein as“implementations” and/or “examples.” Such examples may include elementsin addition to those shown or described. Such examples may optionallyomit some elements mentioned. Moreover, such examples may include anycombination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or oneor more aspects thereof).

Note that the functional blocks, methods, devices, and systems describedin the present disclosure may be integrated or divided into differentcombinations of systems, devices, and functional blocks as would beknown to those skilled in the art.

Any suitable programming languages and programming techniques may beused to implement the routines of particular embodiments. Differentprogramming techniques may be employed such as procedural orobject-oriented. The routines may execute on a single processing deviceor on multiple processors. Although the steps, operations, orcomputations may be presented in a specific order, the order may bechanged in particular embodiments. In some particular embodiments,multiple steps shown as sequential in this specification may beperformed at the same time.

Particular embodiments may be implemented in a computer-readable storagemedium (also referred to as a machine-readable storage medium) for useby or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus,system, or device. Particular embodiments may be implemented in the formof control logic in software or hardware or a combination of both. Thecontrol logic, when executed by one or more processors, may be operableto perform that which is described in particular embodiments.

A “processor” includes any suitable hardware and/or software system,mechanism or component that processes data, signals or otherinformation. A processor may include a system with a general-purposecentral processing unit, multiple processing units, dedicated circuitryfor achieving functionality, or other systems. Processing need not belimited to a geographic location, or have temporal limitations. Forexample, a processor may perform its functions in “real time,”“offline,” in a “batch mode,” etc. Portions of processing may beperformed at different times and at different locations, by different(or the same) processing systems. A computer may be any processor incommunication with a memory. The memory may be any suitable datastorage, memory and/or non-transitory computer-readable storage medium,including electronic storage devices such as random-access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), solid state memory (e.g., flash memory, etc.),or other tangible media suitable for storing instructions (e.g., programor software instructions) for execution by the processor. For example, atangible medium such as a hardware storage device can be used to storethe control logic, which can include executable instructions. Theinstructions can also be contained in, and provided as, an electronicsignal, etc.

Particular embodiments may be implemented by using a programmed generalpurpose digital computer, by using application specific integratedcircuits, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays,optical, chemical, biological, quantum or nanoengineered systems,components and mechanisms. In general, the functions of particularembodiments may be achieved by any means known in the art. Distributed,networked systems, components, and/or circuits may be used.Communication or transfer of data may be wired, wireless, or by anyother means.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted inthe drawings/figures may also be implemented in a more separated orintegrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certaincases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. It isalso within the spirit and scope to implement a program or code that isstored in a machine-readable medium to permit a computer to perform anyof the methods described above.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein andthroughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

While one or more implementations have been described by way of exampleand in terms of the specific embodiments, it is to be understood thatthe implementations are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To thecontrary, they are intended to cover various modifications and similararrangements as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andsimilar arrangements.

Thus, while particular embodiments have been described herein, latitudesof modification, various changes, and substitutions are intended in theforegoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instancessome features of particular embodiments will be employed without acorresponding use of other features without departing from the scope andspirit as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapta particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit.

What is claimed is:
 1. A residential electrical switch sensor deviceplatform comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, wherein each sensordevice of the plurality of sensor devices communicates with a wirelessrouter and with other sensor devices of the plurality of sensor devices,and wherein each sensor device includes one or more sensors operative tosense activity in a living space and includes a processor operative toperform operations comprising: detecting an activity in the livingspace; determining contextual routine information; determining user careprotocol information; determining an occurrence of an adverse healthevent; and in response to the occurrence of the adverse health event,the processor of each sensor device is operative to perform furtheroperations comprising one or more of: sending a notification to one ormore destinations based on the adverse health event; and activating oneor more surveillance devices based on the adverse health event.
 2. Theresidential sensor device platform of claim 1, wherein the activitycomprises one or more motions of a person in the living space.
 3. Theresidential sensor device platform of claim 1, wherein the contextualroutine information is associated with the detected activity.
 4. Theresidential sensor device platform of claim 1, wherein the processor isfurther operative to perform operations comprising determining a type ofthe detected activity based on one or more motions.
 5. The residentialsensor device platform of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtheroperative to perform operations comprising exchanging activityinformation with other sensor devices of the plurality of sensordevices.
 6. The residential sensor device platform of claim 1, whereinthe user protocol information comprises routine information.
 7. Theresidential sensor device platform of claim 1, the adverse health eventsmay include a person breaking his or her routine.
 8. An electricalswitch sensor device comprising: one or more sensors operative to sensean activity in a living space; a processor operative to performoperations comprising: detecting an activity in the living space;determining contextual routine information; determining user careprotocol information; determining an occurrence of an adverse healthevent; and in response to the occurrence of the adverse health event,the processor is operative to perform further operations comprising oneor more of: sending a notification to one or more destinations based onthe adverse health event; and activating one or more surveillancedevices based on the adverse health event.
 9. The sensor device of claim8, wherein the activity comprises one or more motions of a person in theliving space.
 10. The sensor device of claim 8, wherein the contextualroutine information is associated with the detected activity.
 11. Thesensor device of claim 8, wherein the processor is further operative toperform operations comprising determining a type of the detectedactivity based on one or more motions.
 12. The sensor device of claim 8,wherein the processor is further operative to perform operationscomprising exchanging activity information with other sensor devices ofthe plurality of sensor devices.
 13. The sensor device of claim 8,wherein the user protocol information comprises routine information. 14.The sensor device of claim 8, the adverse health events may include aperson breaking his or her routine.
 15. A computer-implemented methodfor operation of a residential electrical switch sensor device platform,the method comprising: detecting an activity in a living space;determining contextual routine information; determining user careprotocol information; determining an occurrence of an adverse healthevent; and in response to the occurrence of the adverse health event,the method further comprises one or more of: sending a notification toone or more destinations based on the adverse health event; andactivating one or more surveillance devices based on the adverse healthevent.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the activity comprises one ormore motions of a person in the living space.
 17. The method of claim15, wherein the contextual routine information is associated with thedetected activity.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the processor isfurther operative to perform operations comprising determining a type ofthe detected activity based on one or more motions.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the processor is further operative to performoperations comprising exchanging activity information with other sensordevices of the plurality of sensor devices.
 20. The method of claim 15,wherein the user protocol information comprises routine information.